Policewoman Pat Hays: A Career Analysis
Dave Isay compiled interviews between people and created Callings to display the multitude of ways a person can discover their calling. The diversity of the stories allows readers to relate to different stories and draw connections that are relevant to them. For myself, the stories of Actor Ricardo Pitts-Wiley and Policewoman Pat Hays stood out and gifted me with insight into my own career choices. By following his heart and becoming an actor, Ricardo Pitts-Wiley took a risk. Acting is a profession known for having low pay and employment, but ever since he stepped on stage in his junior year performance, he knew he must continue down this road (94). Once he found employment with Trinity Repertory, Ricardo began doubting his qualifications. The questions “Why didn’t I get all the gifts? Why can’t I sing? Why can’t I do certain things better?” began creeping into his mind (95). Through his introspection, he realized he did not need to perfect every portion of a performance. Through collaboration, Ricardo was able to achieve his other aspirations and reconcile with the fact he would not perfect every aspect of a performance, but would excel in the parts where he
…show more content…
had distinguishable talent. After reading Ricardo’s story, I looked more critically at my career goals: post-production for film—either sound design or film editing. Both of these environments would involve numerous team projects, so project managers distribute work between workers. Like Ricardo, I would be required to accept some people will be superior in certain areas than me, but that will not my skill sets any less required. Collaboration is key in creative careers, a conclusion upon which Ricardo eventually came. While not specifically identified, acting is extremely different from a traditional office setting. Knowing myself, I cannot have a desk job; the monotony of working in an office would not suit me. Therefore, the creativity emphasized in the post-production of film would permit the creativity I desire. Unlike Ricardo, who knew from a young age he was destined to be an actor, Pat Hays came unexpectedly across her profession. On a whim, she joined a coworker in taking the policewoman’s exam and ultimately joined the newly founded unit. As part of the woman’s unit, she dealt with many horrific domestic crimes, resembling her own predicament from childhood and early marriage (159). In her mind, this reinforced the idea she was in the place where she belonged. Entering the force, her mind set was “‘I’m going to finish this academy if it kills me!’,” but once she started working, she found the reason she was working (158). Pat’s childhood experiences allowed her to relate to victims in a way books could not teach.
Similar to Pat, I want to keep an open mind about my career options.
I have done extensive research on the employment outlook of post-production. While both are in ever-changing technological industries, they can be difficult careers in which to find an opportunity. Consequently, I may have to take on other jobs that are not my immediate goal in order to ultimately secure a career in post-production. Unlike Pat, I would not be able to enter an industry in which I had no interest. In her interview, Pat expressed she “never really wanted to be a policewoman” (158). While this may have worked for her situation, I know a job in which I lacked prior interest would be unsatisfying. For myself, my life has revolved around for over ten years, so beginning a career that does not involve audio would be
unfulfilling.
had distinguishable talent. After reading Ricardo’s story, I looked more critically at my career goals: post-production for film—either sound design or film editing. Both of these environments would involve numerous team projects, so project managers distribute work between workers. Like Ricardo, I would be required to accept some people will be superior in certain areas than me, but that will not my skill sets any less required. Collaboration is key in creative careers, a conclusion upon which Ricardo eventually came. While not specifically identified, acting is extremely different from a traditional office setting. Knowing myself, I cannot have a desk job; the monotony of working in an office would not suit me. Therefore, the creativity emphasized in the post-production of film would permit the creativity I desire. Unlike Ricardo, who knew from a young age he was destined to be an actor, Pat Hays came unexpectedly across her profession. On a whim, she joined a coworker in taking the policewoman’s exam and ultimately joined the newly founded unit. As part of the woman’s unit, she dealt with many horrific domestic crimes, resembling her own predicament from childhood and early marriage (159). In her mind, this reinforced the idea she was in the place where she belonged. Entering the force, her mind set was “‘I’m going to finish this academy if it kills me!’,” but once she started working, she found the reason she was working (158). Pat’s childhood experiences allowed her to relate to victims in a way books could not teach.
Similar to Pat, I want to keep an open mind about my career options.
I have done extensive research on the employment outlook of post-production. While both are in ever-changing technological industries, they can be difficult careers in which to find an opportunity. Consequently, I may have to take on other jobs that are not my immediate goal in order to ultimately secure a career in post-production. Unlike Pat, I would not be able to enter an industry in which I had no interest. In her interview, Pat expressed she “never really wanted to be a policewoman” (158). While this may have worked for her situation, I know a job in which I lacked prior interest would be unsatisfying. For myself, my life has revolved around for over ten years, so beginning a career that does not involve audio would be
unfulfilling.